Baroness Hollis of Heigham: I thank the Minister for his reply. I understand the difficulties about women who are separated but not divorced. I am grateful that the Minister has indicated to the Committee that he has already spoken to his noble friend about the position of people entering residential care. I hope that on Report the Government will find themselves able to bring forward an amendment to cover both the situation affecting occupational pensions, about which we talked

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earlier, and that facing women on the basic state pension, about whom we are speaking now. This is a real and poignant problem for those who are affected by the provisions. Under the Bill, we could, if we choose, do something about that.

I look forward to the Minister coming forward on Report with something helpful. With that, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.